Memphis (23-11) at San Antonio (27-9)
Preview - Box Score - Recap
Game Info: 8:30 pm EST Sat Jan 14, 2006
TV: WMC, KRRT Add to Calendar
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The San Antonio Spurs are coming off one of their most frustrating losses of the seasons -- and their schedule isn't getting much easier.
The Spurs look to reverse their recent fortunes when they host the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Spurs lost 83-68 Thursday to Detroit in the Pistons' first trip to San Antonio since they lost Game 7 of the NBA championship series. The defending champs turned in their lowest point total of the season, breaking their previous low set Christmas Day in an 85-70 loss to the Pistons.
"The Pistons demonstrated tonight that they are a better team than us right now," guard Manu Ginobili said. "We still have to improve on things and we are not the team that we want to be right now."
The Spurs posted a season low in shooting percentage (38.6 percent) and assists (nine), and matched their low in 3-point accuracy (2-for-12) and offensive rebounds (4). Their 32 rebounds were just two more than the season-worst they recorded on Christmas.
"I thought I penetrated pretty well -- we just missed a lot of easy shots," said Tony Parker, who scored 17 points. "It's just one of those nights where offensively it didn't go our way."
Tim Duncan had 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Spurs, who have lost two of their last three. Thursday's defeat was just their second in 19 games at home.
If recent history is any indication, San Antonio might have some trouble bouncing back against Memphis. The Grizzlies have won five of the last six matchups between the teams and are 7-3 against San Antonio since losing 21 straight in the series.
The Grizzlies have won seven of their last eight, including Friday's 81-69 victory over the New Jersey Nets. Mike Miller had 18 points and 16 rebounds for Memphis, which won despite a disappointing night from leading scorer and rebounder Pau Gasol.
Gasol went just 3-of-13 from the field and 3-of-8 from the free throw line. However, the Grizzlies held the Nets to their lowest point total of the season.
"We try to help each other out," Gasol said. "We try to play together. It doesn't matter who gets what. It's just a matter of doing what it takes to win."
Gasol is averaging 17.6 points in 14 career games against the Spurs.
The first game of the 4-game division series, I bet the Grizz think they can get this one, although they must also expect the sleepy, dopey Spurs will "wake up" for at least this one post-fiasco game, before returning to their January slumber.
If the Grizz can keep it close in a loss, I bet they will be extremely motivated Mon night @MEM to get the split.
Spurs are only 3-2 in SWD, splitting with Hornets and Mavs, beating Rockets.
looks like spurs will be coasting this match....
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